Does DIRECTV Still Charge Satellite Receiver Fees?
By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow on X.
Former Satellite DIRECT editor. Covered DIRECTV for 30 years.
TV Answer Man, I read your article that DIRECTV says they still have contracts for satellite customers because of the costs associated with supplying receivers and dishes. Does that mean they don’t have fees for satellite receivers anymore? – John, town withheld.
John, DIRECTV recently waived its two-year agreement for new streaming subscribers who opt to use the company-supplied Gemini streaming device. However, a spokesperson told The TV Answer Man yesterday that the two-year contract for new satellite subscribers remains. That means that new satellite customers who decide to cancel service prior to the end of the two-year term must pay $20 a month for every month left in the contract. The two-year agreement is also occasionally applied to existing customers who receive equipment upgrades.
Why DIRECTV Says Satellite Customers Require a 2-Year Contract
”Regarding new satellite customers, there is still a 2-year term commitment along with a two-year monthly price guarantee. This allows DIRECTV to spread the significant costs of installing and providing equipment over the term of the contract,” the spokesperson said yesterday via e-mail.
The statement triggered a few comments from readers, including John, that the equipment costs are a false reason for keeping the two-year agreement unless subscribers no longer have to pay monthly equipment fees. So, did DIRECTV remove the subscriber fees for licensing equipment from the company?
DIRECTV’s Extra Fees For Satellite Equipment
The answer is no. For starters, DIRECTV satellite has what it calls, a TV Access Fee, which is between $7-10 a month for ”each piece of leased equipment,” according to the DIRECTV web site. Then, if a satellite subscriber gets an ‘advanced receiver,’ which is defined as including a HD DVR or Whole Home Service, there could be another charge up to $25 a month. These fees are in addition to the programming package.
By the way, there’s also satellite fees from $45-135 if you don’t return your equipment after cancelling service.
”If you do not return Your Leased Equipment after Service is cancelled within the required timeframe. This fee may apply to Equipment included with Your package price,” the site states.
And we’re not done with the satellite fees. There’s a $19.95 one-time fee for activating your service; a $99 fee if DIRECTV sends a technician to your home to repair your service; and a $399 fee if you upgrade your equipment without a promotional discount.
So, John, DIRECTV has not eliminated the satellite equipment fees which is more evidence of why more people are turning to streaming.
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Phillip Swann
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The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch TV. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.
